Emergency Salary Advance / Salary Priority Payment

Employees who have not received their salary, are missing a part of their salary, or are missing an allowance, may be eligible for an advance. There are two types of advances available to employees:

1. Emergency Salary Advances (ESA):

An ESA may be granted when an employee did not receive their regular pay.

2. Salary Priority Payment (SPP):

A SPP may be granted when an employee has an overpayment recovered in error or is missing certain eligible payments (i.e. allowances, actings, etc.).

In addition to the ESA/SPP Process, the Treasury Board Secretariat has established a process for employees who have incurred out-of-pocket expenses resulting from pay issues. Consult the Claims Process for further information.

Eligibility Criteria for ESA or SPP

An employee may be eligible for an ESA or SPP in the following scenarios:

• The employee did not receive their regular pay.
• The employee had an overpayment recovery that was not in accordance with an established repayment schedule.
• An employee has a salary increase (acting, promotion, increment, etc.) that is outstanding for a minimum of 6 pay periods per request.
• An employee has an allowance (Isolated Post, Terminable Allowance, Education Allowance, etc.) that is outstanding for a minimum of 6 pay periods per request.

An ESA or SPP is generally not offered in the following scenarios:

• A lost or stolen pay cheque or deposit.
• Recovery of Leave Without Pay (LWOP) 5 days or less including recoveries for statutory holidays.
• Authorizing documentation for payment has not been received by Compensation Services.
• An ESA/SPP being recovered in accordance with the established repayment agreement/conditions.
• An overpayment being recovered in accordance with the established repayment agreement/conditions.
• Collective agreement retroactive payment in relation to a current, negotiated agreement.

How do I Apply?

1. Employee identifies need for an ESA or SPP and reviews the eligibility criteria with their Manager.
2. Employee or Manager must submit a pay escalation through the HRSC Portal. Make note of the HRSC request number.
3. Complete the Emergency Salary Advance / Salary Priority Payment GC214, see IM/IT page regarding information on digital signatures. If an employee has requested multiple ESA/SPP, the repayment conditions and methods identified in the latest request will supersede previous ones
• Include HRSC Request number in section 1.3
• View completed example
4. Gather additional authorizing documentation based on the reason for the ESA/SPP:
   • If no pay has been issued to the employee:
     • Copy of Letter of Offer/contract (new hire/rehire/extension); or
     • Email from manager confirming return from LWOP date; or
     • Explanation of other circumstances
   • If overpayment recoveries taken in error:
     • Explanation of situation and events that have transpired
   • If an employee is missing an entitlement or adjustment to salary:
     • Detailed explanation of outstanding amount(s)
     • Copy of any paperwork or information which may assist in performing calculations (i.e.: letter of offer, overtime forms, prior pay stubs)
5. Submit form and authorizing documentation to CFOB.

Useful Links:

• Directive on Terms and Conditions of Employment
• ESDC Pay Escalation Process
• Digital Signatures - How to Guide
• Treasury Board Claims Process